The cost of a membership at the YMCA varies according to your age, marital status and ability to pay. The cost of your health is priceless.

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia kicked off its Priceless Gifts campaign on Jan. 28, and it will run through March 25.

The goal this year is $600,000. The type of fundraiser varies by individual YMCA branches and include barbecues, Zumbathons, Spin-a-thons, etc. But the Priceless Gifts campaign depends mainly upon donations. The Priceless Gifts campaign helps offset expenses incurred administering to families in need, and the money stays in Coastal Georgia.

As an avid member of the Y for many years, I had read the brochures, listened to the spiel and participated in some of the fundraisers. Then, when preparing for this article, I read countless stories of people who recorded significant achievements with help from the Priceless Gifts program.

One story is of a 10-year-old girl who was referred to the YMCA by her doctor. The girl weighed 165 pounds and suffered from reactive airway disease.

With one-on-one training, the girl started walking and canoeing. She progressed to power walking, then jumping rope. This same girl has lost more than 93 pounds and is an active participant in summer camp at the Y. She enjoys the activities of a normal child.

This was one of many stories of parents with financial struggles who qualify for help from the Y. Rather than putting their children in latch-key situations in which they entertain themselves with snacks and computers, parents can enroll their children in Fun Club before and after school care for a fun, safe and healthy environment.

While childhood obesity is an epidemic, the positive psychological reinforcement of team sports and athletics cannot be stressed enough.

Nicole and Anson Kanoy have three daughters. Callie, the oldest, is a competitive gymnast. Kelsey, the middle daughter, was born with a brain malformation and has endured two major surgeries. The youngest, Cambrie, was a nursing infant while Kelsey was in ICU.

To keep Callie’s life as normal as possible, she remained active in gymnastics during the ordeal. When Kelsey became symptom-free, she wanted to participate in gymnastics like her older sister.

Soon, Cambrie took up gymnastics, and all three girls are on scholarships. Nicole is a coach.

“The financial ramifications of the care for Kelsey could have easily limited our family, especially Callie, from participating in gymnastics,” Nicole said. “Gymnastics may be a sport to some, but to us it has been a crucial outlet. The Priceless Gifts campaign has been a true blessing, a priceless gift, for our family.”

As well as programs for children, the YMCA offers many programs for teenagers, senior adults, a Diabetes Prevention Program and Y on Wheels. You can check with your local YMCA branch to see what programs are offered.

There is something for everyone at the Y. No one is turned away.

If you are experiencing financial struggles and need help, the Y is there for you. If you are fortunate enough to have resources to share, the Priceless Gifts campaign is a great return for your investment.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. When you donate to the Priceless Gifts, you are helping to raise healthy, positive children.

HOW TO HELP

To donate to the Priceless Gifts program, go to www.ymcaofcoastalga.org/ymca/site/priceless-gifts.